Dr. Xiolmara Martinez is a research chemist who received her PhD in Analytical Chemistry from Loyola University Chicago. After receiving her PhD, she began her career as an industrial chemist where she used her expertise in mass spectrometry for product development.
I know my high school chemistry teacher Mr. Pipernik does not remember me, but I owe it all to him for sparking my interest in pursuing a career in chemistry. I set my sights on becoming a forensic scientist and majored in forensic science with a minor in chemistry during college.
After my sophomore year I had the opportunity to apply for a summer internship in an analytical chemistry lab that I was interested in. I asked my organic chemistry professor for a letter of recommendation, and I applied even though I felt underqualified. That summer was the first time I got to experience working independently in a lab and the first time I operated a piece of analytical instrumentation on my own, an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). This internship is what guided the rest of my career path.
I knew I wanted to continue learning about analytical chemistry, so I emailed my analytical chemistry professor my junior year to see if I could contribute to the research in his lab. He accepted me and a year later I presented a poster on the research I conducted in his lab which was about the determination of illicit designer drugs and their metabolites. My curiosity grew and I decided to continue my education beyond the undergraduate level and pursued my PhD in analytical chemistry.
I am a big believer in education being a powerful tool. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and find guidance as you can potentially learn about a world of dreams and opportunities you did not know existed- had I not put myself out there I wouldn’t have gotten the summer internship that changed the trajectory of my career.
It is cliché to say, but do not give up. Stay resilient. Most importantly, find your community and support system-it is extremely important, especially in discouraging moments.
Seeing Latinas in the STEM field inspires me, especially in the chemistry field. I look forward to seeing us grow in these spaces. Till this day I am still learning-I know 16-year-old me would be proud of the scientist I am today, I’m proud of the scientist I am today.
Connect with Dr. Xiolmara on LinkedIn.
I know my high school chemistry teacher Mr. Pipernik does not remember me, but I owe it all to him for sparking my interest in pursuing a career in chemistry. I set my sights on becoming a forensic scientist and majored in forensic science with a minor in chemistry during college.
After my sophomore year I had the opportunity to apply for a summer internship in an analytical chemistry lab that I was interested in. I asked my organic chemistry professor for a letter of recommendation, and I applied even though I felt underqualified. That summer was the first time I got to experience working independently in a lab and the first time I operated a piece of analytical instrumentation on my own, an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). This internship is what guided the rest of my career path.
I knew I wanted to continue learning about analytical chemistry, so I emailed my analytical chemistry professor my junior year to see if I could contribute to the research in his lab. He accepted me and a year later I presented a poster on the research I conducted in his lab which was about the determination of illicit designer drugs and their metabolites. My curiosity grew and I decided to continue my education beyond the undergraduate level and pursued my PhD in analytical chemistry.
I am a big believer in education being a powerful tool. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and find guidance as you can potentially learn about a world of dreams and opportunities you did not know existed- had I not put myself out there I wouldn’t have gotten the summer internship that changed the trajectory of my career.
It is cliché to say, but do not give up. Stay resilient. Most importantly, find your community and support system-it is extremely important, especially in discouraging moments.
Seeing Latinas in the STEM field inspires me, especially in the chemistry field. I look forward to seeing us grow in these spaces. Till this day I am still learning-I know 16-year-old me would be proud of the scientist I am today, I’m proud of the scientist I am today.
Connect with Dr. Xiolmara on LinkedIn.
RSS Feed